Frequently Asked Questions
We are on standby to answer your questions and discuss your product development needs.
About Questions and Answers
Below are answers to general questions about working with BESTProto: our process, certifications, and specialized capabilities. If you’re looking for details specific to a particular service, like turnaround times, technical specs, or file requirements for PCB assembly, box builds, or wire harnesses, you’ll find those answered directly on each service or industry page. For company background, cultural fit, or getting in touch, see About Us or Contact Us.
Working With BESTProto
What is the process for getting a quote and starting a project?
You can request a quote through our online Request for Quote form, by scheduling a virtual meeting with our team, or by reaching out directly via phone or email. Before submitting, check our Guidelines page for what to include: design files, BOM, quantities, turn time, IPC Workmanship Class, special assembly requirements, and a few other important factors that allow us to prepare an accurate quote from the start. We typically prepare a quote within 2-3 business days, depending on project scope and complexity. Once you accept the quote, our team begins working on your documentation and, if requested, can provide DFM feedback about your product design and assembly instructions.
Will BESTProto sign an NDA to protect my design IP?
Yes. BESTProto is committed to protecting customer IP throughout the design and manufacturing process. You can download our editable Mutual NDA form directly from our Resources page, complete it, and return it to us to establish a mutual confidentiality agreement before sharing sensitive design files.
What payment terms does BESTProto offer?
BESTProto offers Net 30-day payment terms for accounts with established credit. We also accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, with a 3% processing fee applied to credit card payments. Quotes are valid for 45 days from the quote date. Orders shipping outside the U.S. incur a minimum $150 export handling fee, and there is a $250 minimum charge for assembly services. Full terms and conditions are available on our Terms page.
If I choose the Expedited tier, will I receive my order within 10 business days of placing it?
Not necessarily. The 10 business days is our assembly turn time, and it starts only when everything needed for the build is in house: components, bare boards, finalized documentation, and answers to all open engineering questions. How long that takes varies by project. It depends on component availability, whether we are sourcing parts or arranging bare board fabrication for you, the complexity of the design, and how quickly the final documentation and engineering answers reach us. Shipping time is added after the build is complete. The same applies to the Express and Standard tiers. Include your target assembly turn time in your quote request, as described on our Guidelines page, and we will confirm the tier that fits.
Certifications Explained
What do BESTProto's certifications actually mean for my project?
BESTProto is certified to AS9100:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 by Smithers Quality Assessments, Inc., and both certifications cover the entire company. We are also ITAR-registered with the U.S. Department of State, and we are compliant with CMMC Level 1 and NIST 800-171, both self-assessed and recorded in SPRS. For what each credential means for your project, see our Compliance and Certifications page.
Specialized Capabilities
Can you provide lot tracking and traceability for assemblies?
Yes. BESTProto provides complete lot tracking and traceability for all assembled boards, giving full transparency and accountability from component receipt through final shipment. This is critically important for regulated industries such as medical and aerospace where audit trails are required.
Do you offer in-house conformal coating?
Yes. BESTProto provides in-house conformal coating to protect assembled boards from moisture, dust, and chemical exposure, extending reliability and lifespan for boards deployed in harsh environments.
Do you offer reverse engineering or design-refresh services for outdated boards?
Yes. For customers iterating on legacy board designs, BESTProto provides Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback on existing designs, along with help identifying and replacing obsolete components to bring older designs up to current manufacturability standards.
Does BESTProto offer a warranty on assembled boards?
Yes. BESTProto provides a 180-day workmanship warranty from the date of shipment, covering defects in workmanship through repair, replacement, or adjustment at our discretion. Full warranty terms, including buyer responsibilities and exclusions, are outlined on our Terms page.